Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has applauded the historic first Tri-Nation Defence Ministers’ Meeting between Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia, describing it as a powerful demonstration of regional unity, sovereign respect, and long-term stability across the Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Marape issued the statement on behalf of the three national leaders — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and himself — commending their Defence Ministers for advancing an unprecedented level of cooperation among the neighbouring states.
Prime Minister Marape said the trilateral engagement reflects the immutable reality of geography, noting that PNG’s location places it at the heart of the South Pacific, East Pacific, and West Pacific intersections.
“Geography will never change. Papua New Guinea will always sit in this unique part of the world, and the peace, harmony, and coexistence we desire for the future depend on the interventions we make today,” the Prime Minister said.
He emphasised that the Asia–Pacific region—spanning Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and extending into North and West Asia—is home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and around 60 per cent of global economic activity, making regional stability a shared responsibility.
Prime Minister Marape underscored the importance of strong, cooperative relationships between PNG, Australia, and Indonesia as foundational anchors for regional security.
“The coexistence of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia forms the base of stability not only for our three nations but for the wider Southeast Asian and Pacific region,” he said. “With a rapidly growing youth population across Asia and the Pacific, building trust and ensuring peaceful relations among neighbours is crucial.”
He said that while the three heads of government maintain constant dialogue, it is essential for ministers and state agencies to develop the same depth of operational cooperation.“Our systems must work in sync — respecting sovereignty while deepening understanding.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of three sovereign Defence Ministers meeting face-to-face.
“Defence ministries are custodians of national sovereignty. When three sovereigns come together in dialogue and mutual respect, it strengthens peace and cooperation across our region.”
He paid special tribute to Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for his continued engagement with Papua New Guinea.
“I commend the Australian Deputy Prime Minister for his humility and grace. He was with us during our Independence celebrations, he stood with us in the rain during the opening of the Lombrum Naval Base, and he has returned again to strengthen this important partnership.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the PNG–Australia Defence Cooperation Treaty complements — rather than undermines — PNG’s sovereign relationships with other nations, including Indonesia.
“Today’s meeting with Indonesia demonstrates the versatility of the PNG–Australia Defence Treaty. It respects our other defence relationships in the region while safeguarding the sovereign interests of both our nations.”
He said the trilateral meeting reflects a maturing regional architecture built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for stability in an increasingly complex global environment.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reiterating PNG’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and responsible leadership in the Pacific and Southeast Asian region.
“As a senior Pacific nation situated at the crossroads of major global regions, Papua New Guinea will continue to champion peaceful coexistence, sovereign respect, and collective security.”